KidNews

Get a leg up on the ice with these skating tips

Ice skating can be a lot of fun or a traumatic experience. Heading to the rink? Here are some tips to get you gliding.

Wear thin socks. Thick socks don't necessarily keep you any warmer, and they make for an awkward fit that will cut off blood circulation and make you wobbly.

Pick snug skates. Unlike regular ice skates, rental skates are sized the same as shoes, but you might try a half-size smaller. Avoid skate boots that are badly worn.

Lace 'em up. The art to lacing is: Use medium tightness on the first few eyelets, go tightest across the top of the instep, then ease up as you get toward the top of the skate. The cure for "weak ankles" is a firmer skate boot.

Bend your knees. Think of your legs as shock absorbers when you skate.

Keep your weight forward. If you fall, it's much better to fall forward than backward--you'll be less likely to hit your head.

Stay in control. You might be a speed demon, but once you get going, can you stop without running into the wall?

Watch out below. Off the ice, those black rubber mats are there to protect your blades. Step off them, or into one of the gaps between them, and you won't have an edge to skate on.